LITTLE children from Twin Sails School helped to unveil Hamworthy’s new Co-Op store to customers and residents on Thursday.

Nearly seven years after it was burned down by fire in 2007, the store was officially re-opened by Simon Carpenter, manager of the store, on Blandford Road.

The Twin Sails School pupils also marked the occasion by filling and burying a time capsule on the site.

The shop, which covers around 3,000 sq ft, aims to offer a host of good food, wine, modern cuisine, including an in-store bakery and an extensive wine range, with customers able to make use of three self-service tills.

Simon said: “We appreciate that Hamworthy residents have waited a long time for the permanent store to open and we are excited about welcoming them.

“The Co-Operative is a community retailer and we are committed to playing a role in local life.

“I was delighted to welcome children from Twin Sails School to share in our special day, and to play a key role in the opening.”

Previously, residents had to visit a small temporary cabin which offered a limited number of groceries in order to purchase their essential items.

In keeping with the community theme, the mural that has adorned the hoardings around the building site for the past few years will be displayed on the exterior of the shop’s walls.

The British Legion Club clock from the closed club opposite is also now housed in the store, which opens from 7am to 11pm each day.